Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — guided cultural tour

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opened in 2007 and remains the largest in the UAE, with a capacity of 40,000 worshippers. Entry is free for all faiths outside of prayer times, and the centre offers free 60-90 minute guided tours led by trained docents who explain the architecture, the calligraphy and the contemporary Emirati design choices.

Highlights

• The main prayer hall — home to the world's largest hand-knotted carpet (5,627 square metres, woven by 1,200 Iranian artisans).

• Seven Swarovski-crystal chandeliers, including a 12-metre one in the main hall.

• Eighty-two marble domes faced in mother-of-pearl.

• The reflecting pools that mirror the mosque at sunset.

Dress code

Strictly modest dress is required: long sleeves, ankle-length trousers or skirts, and a headscarf for women. Tight or sheer clothing is not allowed. The mosque provides complimentary abayas at the entrance if you're not appropriately dressed — but the queue can be 30 minutes long on weekends.

When to visit

Open Saturday-Thursday from 09:00 to 22:00 and Friday from 16:30 to 22:00. The mosque is closed to tourists during the five daily prayers (about 30 minutes each). Sunset (typically 18:00-19:00) is by far the best time for photography — the white marble glows pink and the reflecting pools catch the colour.

Getting there

By car, 90 minutes from Dubai via E11. By public transport, take the inter-emirate bus E100 from Ibn Battuta or E101 from Al Ghubaiba to Abu Dhabi central, then a 20 AED taxi to the mosque. Free parking is available on-site.